Team USA Wins Inaugural United Cup

January 9, 2023 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo Credit: Brad Penner/USTA

 

The United States won the first ever United Cup title on Sunday as the Americans clinched its victory over Team Italy in the first-ever year of the competition.

The top-ranked American man, Taylor Fritz, sealed the deal for Team USA as he defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(7) to give them an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five team matchup.

“We came in with really high hopes before the start of the event, and I was really happy to be in the position to clinch the match and just the emotions when you win and everyone comes running at you is amazing,” said Fritz. “We have gotten a lot of team bonding this week, and it was a lot of fun.”

Jessica Pegula got the Americans started with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Martina Trevisian, and Frances Tiafoe added to the win as Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from their match with a shoulder injury. In a match that became a dead rubber because the title had already been clinched, Madison Keys defeated Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-2.

“I wanted to win because I am the No. 1 American on the team. I wanted to embrace that,” said Pegula. “I did not want to shy away from that.”

Team USA coach, David Witt, who also coaches Pegula individually, added:

“It has been an honor to be a coach of them and enjoy the time we have had together. It has been awesome.”

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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